An innovative software platform from the new spin-off company of Smart Services CRC – Cruiser Interactive Pty Ltd – that turns walls, tables, whiteboards and smart devices into touchscreen networks for group collaboration is set to debut at the Connect Expo 2014 In Melbourne this week.

Developed by Smart Services CRC from research by the University of Sydney, Cruiser is set to revolutionise group collaboration in any domain where visual planning and group collaboration is required, such as the advertising, marketing, property development, architecture, design, government, town planning, defence, and emergency response and education sectors. The platform is already revolutionising business operations for clients such as Victoria Police, Mondelez, Jumptank and Colliers International.

Cruiser adds a new dimension to collaboration, allowing users to flick information from any surface (personal smart devices, tablets, tables, walls and whiteboards) to any other surface located anywhere in the world for dynamic group discussion. Participants can annotate images and video; resize, manipulate and copy media files; contribute additional content; and share and work on information with multiple peers and colleagues anywhere in the world.

Dr Anthony Collins, CEO of Cruiser Interactive, said “Cruiser provides users with the ability to engage customers in new ways, transforming the way they do business, and giving them the ability to collaborate digitally with teams.”

“This multi-user software allows the integration of any interactive touch screen device to provide seamless content sharing and collaboration by colleagues in the same room or across the world. It will open doors to business and create a deeper understanding of a product or system that’s being discussed or sold to a prospective buyer,” he said.

“The technology is also ideal for group collaboration, design and brainstorming. For those working in marketing or advertising, who brainstorm on a regular basis, Cruiser is a great way to share thoughts and visuals with each other or their clients.”

See how Jumptank are using the technology below:

Making facilities management more efficient

Patrick Higgins, Manager, Property Management Group at Victoria Police said the software was the most advanced touch interface he had come across.

“We‘ve actually established a Cruiser facility at Victoria Police where staff can come together and collaborate on different aspects of building maintenance and property management as a team,” he said.

“We have 800 properties to manage, so this is an amazing tool for us. The Executive Director also sees some important opportunities to use the facility for operational policing to monitor what’s happening in the field and manage and run these operations.”

Watch an interview with Patrick Higgins below:

The future of residential project marketing

Mark McKenzie from Colliers International said the Cruiser technology delivered new opportunities for innovation in group presentations.

“In the residential property industry, we work with clients from around the world, so using such a visual and interactive format helps us to overcome potential language barriers and communicate successfully. And of course, young people who are familiar with touch screen technology love it.”

Watch an interview with Mark McKenzie below:

The Cruiser software is the key to connecting all the hardware which can be purchased through Cruiser Interactive including TableTop, an interactive touch surface that engage collaborators; TouchWall, which turns interactive walls and whiteboards into knowledge-sharing surfaces; and MediaWall, where users interact with information using a series of intuitive gestures.

Journalists can see Cruiser in action at the Connect Expo 2014 on 13-14 March at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Entry Door 7, Booth 69.